PENTECOST 2016 - Amazon Web Services · individual, but also by us as a family. I went to the Discernment Board in 2014 and was recommended for ordained ministry. I’m due to be

Y O U R L O C A L C H U R C H I N W A L E S

PENTECOST 2016

GrapevineM O N M O U T H

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

03 Called by God

08 Focus on: Linda’s Story

10 Reflections on the Highveld

15 A new photography competition

monmouth.churchinwales.org.uk

BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Pentecost 201602

From the Editor’s DeskI can hardly believe that it is now a whole year since I joined the team at the Diocesan Office. So much has changed in that year, and it is such a pleasure to present this edition of the ‘Monmouth Grapevine’ for you. The focus in this edition, around ministry, is very timely for me. I will be taking my leave of the Diocese in the summer, in order to enter training to become a Salvation Army officer, and live out God’s calling on my life.

My time in Monmouth, though short, has been a joy to me, and I thank God that he guided my path to the Diocese for me to spend this time learning from you all. I thank you all for the way you have supported me and allowed me to work with you, and I am confident that you will continue to do so when my successor joins the Diocese.

God bless

Kathryn (editor)

Called by God ........................................................... 03 - 05A Little Help Goes A Long Way ............ 06 - 07 Focus on .......................................................................... 08 - 09 Linda’s Story

Reflections on the Highveld ......................................... 10 Bishop Richard Pain

Schools ...................................................................................................... 11 news from St David’s & St Mellons

People and Places ................................................... 12 - 13 Safe Church ........................................................................................ 14What’s On, On The Move .................................... 14-15Launching our new ................................................................ 15 photographic competition

Back Chat .............................................................................................. 16

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MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Pentecost 2016 BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE 03

Ordinations take place this year on 25 & 26 June at Newport Cathedral. The Ordination of Priests will be on Saturday morning and of Deacons on Sunday afternoon. There will also be a celebration of Lay Ministry on Sunday 3 July, where

four new Lay Ministers will be licensed.

A broad range of people from many different walks of life will be ordained this year. All recognise that God has placed a particular calling on their life, and the ordination service will be an affirming and celebration of that calling. We are, of course, all ‘called out’ to serve God, in whatever role or location he has placed us. Whilst we recognise and celebrate the dedication and commitment to service of those being ordained, we should also recognise, celebrate and re-affirm our own commitment to God’s service where he has called us to be.

Ordained Deacon:Andrew Dawson - Llantilio Crossenny and Penrhos w Llanvetherine and Llanvapley

Rick Hayes - Mathern Group

Stephen Smith - Goetre Fawr Group

Sam Helkvist - Newport East

Dean Roberts - Bedwas with Machen with Michaelston-y-Fedw with Rudry

Ordained Priest:The Revd James Henley - Newport, St Paul

The Revd Jane Butler - Mynyddislwyn with Blackwood and Fleur de Lis

The Revd Sue Hobbs - Rectorial Benefice of Cwmbran

The Revd Jane Sims - Malpas

The Revd Hilary Prest - Bassaleg

Being licensed as Lay Ministers on 3 July:Gay Hollywell - Bedwas with Machen with Michaelston-y-Fedw with Rudry

Beverley Lucas - Upper Ebbw Valleys

Paul Williams - Magor Doug McCaully - Llandogo and Tintern

Please uphold in prayer those making this commitment, their friends and family and all who support them on their journey.

I never thought I would end up serving as an ordained minister in the Anglican Church! I had always wanted to be a teacher for as long as I could remember, and, besides, I was a chapel boy! When I was 16 I had my first experience of a lively, growing Anglican Church. I loved the way they communicated the message of the Gospel and how that church community was equipped for mission and evangelism by the ministry team there. It was there that the Rector offered a possibility that God may be calling me to ordained ministry in the Anglican Church, which I quickly shrugged off.

At 18 I went to Cardiff University and joined a large free church, and about a year in, God spoke to me - I recognised that, in fact, God was calling me to something different to my own plans. I told my senior Pastor who was my personal mentor at the time, and he encouraged me to knock on some doors to see if any opened. I contacted about 40 Anglican Churches across South Wales, and only one replied: St Paul’s in Newport who offered me a job. St Paul’s nurtured me and allowed me to grow in my relationship with Jesus and to work out my calling. The people of St Paul’s were there for me every step of the way; to encourage me, to pick me up, to nudge me, and to mentor me - my calling was explored by me as an individual, but also by us as a family.

I went to the Discernment Board in 2014 and was recommended for ordained ministry. I’m due to be ordained on June 26th, and I can look back on all that’s happened and testify to how faithful God has been. God is truly the God of wonderful surprises, and I’m wholeheartedly looking forward to serving him and his Church.

Dean Roberts, being ordained Deacon, Bedwas with Machen with Michaelston-y-Fedw with Rudry

Vocations


Introducing... Revd Becca Stevens, Young Vocations Advisor

I am part of Revd Paul Thompson’s (The Diocesan Director of Ordinands) team along with other vocational advisors. My role, however, will be specifically geared towards helping young-er people to discern their vocation, especially those considering ordained ministry in the Church in Wales. I am here to help you explore what God’s plan might be for you.

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” - Isaiah 6:1-8

Everyone has a vocation: a purpose and a role to play in the building up of God’s Kingdom. God calls people from all walks of life to do an infinite variety of things. Some have a vocation to raise a family; others have a vocation to be a teacher; still others a vocation to be a rugby player or hairdresser.

As well as the many other roles God calls people to fulfil within the Church, God calls people to be leaders and pastors, teachers and preachers. He calls some into the Ordained Ministry of the Church to work as Deacons and Priests. The history of the Church is full of people who have responded to just such a call.

You may be pondering questions such as:

• What’s God’s purpose for your life? • Is he calling you to lead? • Have you got what it takes?• How do you find out?

Big questions! And you probably have many more. These are questions we can help you explore.

Our vocation is what God calls us into. We discover our own vocation through knowing ourselves; by exploring how we wish to develop and move forward in our lives. Being set free to be the people we were meant to be: “I have come that all may know life and have it in abundance.” (John 10.10) We are called and sent out: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matt 28.19)

All are called to see God in the ORDINARY and to bring the HOLY into the ordinary. As part of every journey of faith each of us becomes aware of the need to make an informed decision to follow Christ. This may be a decision to pursue a vocation in ministry and for example become a priest, or to spend time abroad in mission, or to walk with Christ in a chosen secular occupation. Our role is to help you discern this. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like me to come and speak to people in the parish, secondary schools, and colleges or at deanery conferences.

Revd Becca Stevens Email:[email protected] Tel: 01633 441239

After I retired 5 years ago from a fulfilling career as an NHS consultant I was encouraged by former and present Priests in Charge to consider volunteering some of my time in local ministry. My calling grew from pragmatic beginnings – we had a long interregnum when several parishioners helped to keep services going, and the

need for further support was clear. I was astonished

when only 10 months ago the proposal of ordained local ministry was put to me. My new experience is helping me to a better understanding of spiritual mysteries as well as rapidly discovering more about the workings of the church, discernment, and training for ordination. Support from fellow parishioners has been wonderful, and I’m looking forward to continuing ministry in our four sparsely populated rural parishes.

Dr Andrew Dawson, being ordained Deacon, Llantilio Crossenny and Penrhos with Llanvetherine and Llanvapley


The Holywell Community, Abergavenny

St Mary’s Priory, Abergavenny has long been aware of its Benedictine roots, so it did not take much of a leap of imagination for the Parish to come up with the idea of a new Monastic Community following the Spirit of the Rule of St Benedict. This year saw the Community rise to 6 in number.

In September 2014, the Bishop of Monmouth Licensed the Vicar of Abergavenny Canon Mark Soady as Prior and two young lay people Amy Pope and Samuel Patterson as members of the Community; they were joined by Deacon Sarah Gillard as Sub-Prior in November and by Adrian Price and Michael Topple last September.

They live by a monastic rule of life although they have not taken the traditional monastic vows.

Community life is framed by the daily services. Morning Prayer (8.15), Eucharist (8.30), Midday prayer (noon), and Evening Prayer (16.30) are all public services in St Mary’s Priory church Monday to Saturday. Compline is said by the Community privately.

The work of the community targets the consequences of poverty in the area. Although Abergavenny is thought of as a wealthy town, the north of the town is the poorest area in Monmouthshire and this juxta-position of wealth and poverty make it more marked.

As a community no two days are really the same. We are involved in a number of pre-existing projects including a parent and toddler group and 7Corners, a local ecumenical youth drop-in centre. We also have a number of projects which we run for those in the community including Tea and Games for the elderly,

after school club, as well as going into schools to take Assemblies and welcoming schools to the Priory to hear about our faith through ‘A day in the life of a monk’. In return for free board and lodge the Community assist with ground maintenance on site and serving in the Priory’s Tithe Barn Cafe.

To find out more about the Community visit their blog on: https://holywellcommunity.wordpress.com

or call Canon Mark Soady on 01873 853168

Br Sam: Since joining the Community, I have been given the opportunities to experience aspects of ordained life and ministry and have been stretched both in terms of my personal faith but also in relating it to those around me.

Br Adrian: The Community has provided me with time out with God to explore my vocation but also has provided me with the level of experience and skills required to equip me for the journey of ministry ahead of me.

Sr Amy: My time in the Community has helped me to understand the rich history of our Church, which was lacking previously in my spiritual life. Over the past 18 months I have been stretched and sent outside of my comfort zone but the experience I have had here has given me invaluable skills for my future ministry.

Br Michael: I started actively exploring my calling to priesthood at the age of 15, and last year, at the age of 18, I moved to Abergavenny to join the Community. This move has given me a chance to become involved in ministry and outreach, deeply rooted in a life of prayer, and helped me explore my sense of calling by becoming involved in things that I wouldn’t have the chance to do at home.

The Holywell Community following their Licensing in August 2015 – back row (l-r) Br Sam Paterson; Br Michael Topple; Br Adrian Price; Sr Amy Pope. Front row: Deacon Sarah Gillard-Faulkner; Bishop Richard Pain; Canon Mark Soady.


A little help goes a long way…“How can I…? Where can I find…? Who knows about…? What do I need to do…?” Questions, questions and even more questions are inevitable when as churches or as individuals we are engaged with ‘change’ They’re also a sure and healthy sign that our faith is making a real difference; in our personal lives, in the life of our local church and Ministry Area and in the lives of others too.

God is giving us exciting new opportunities to engage with his mission through the creation of Ministry Areas across the diocese and we are experiencing the emergence of lots of new expressions of worship, the formation of new ministry and pastoral teams and a new engagement with all types of community activities. Here are details of some important resources to help with the development of your Ministry Area:

Website Resources:www.johntruscott.co.uk Over 130 free resources for all aspects of local church development and management

www.cpas.org.uk Free church resources for Making Mission Possible

www.parishresources.org.uk From the Church of England’s National Stewardship & Resources team and offers over 400 pages of resources to support stewardship, administration and management in the local church

Employing People:From Administrators to Community Workers and everything in between, Ministry Areas are employing their own staff as part of a local Ministry Team. Employing people and working with volunteers is both a privilege and a responsibility and it’s crucially important that best practice is followed. www.parishresources.org.uk/people

Funding: Read on for exciting stories of how Ministry Areas have been supported by the diocese through project funding. The diocese has a suite of funds designed to support local growth in mission and ministry; Ministry Area Development Grant; Ministry Area Office Grant; Church Fabric Grant; Churchyard Improvement Grant.monmouth.churchinwales.org.uk/grants-and-funding/

New! Time for Mission Grant: Through the wonderful generosity of our church congregations across the diocese and their Lent 2016 donations, we’ve been able to set up a new ‘Time for Mission’ Fund. Full details will be available soon and we are keen to support your new mission initiative or project with start-up funding. More to follow soon…

Ministry Area Councils: Ministry Areas and emerging Ministry Areas who took part in the recent highly successful Mission Shaped Ministry Area Councils course are being encouraged to follow up with their own local Ministry Area Council development event – perhaps an ‘away day’ or ‘vision and planning event’. To assist with this a specific grant is being made available to fund the costs of the fees of an external facilitator. Ministry Areas are expected to fund any costs for catering, venue hire, or overnight accommodation themselves.

To confirm your grant contact Richard Jones, Ministry Area Development Officer, 01633 267490 or richardjones@ churchinwales.org.uk

Benefice of Bedwas with Machen with Michaelston-y-Fedw with Rudry

The Benefice of Bedwas with Machen with Michaelston-y-Fedw with Rudry applied for a Ministry Area Development Grant to purchase ICT equipment, to help them diversify the type of services and events they could host, which in turn helps attract people who would otherwise not get involved with the Church.

Revd Becca Stevens, Assistant Curate writes:

“We were given a generous grant by the Diocese for ICT equipment. The application for funding from the Ministry Area Development Fund was very straight forward. This is where a great deal of thinking and research needs to be done before putting pen to paper. Have clear and realistic Aims and Objectives in mind.

Consider

• What you need – we decided on a projector; screen; laptop; speakers and projector stand

• How can you use it – worship; family/youth events; outreach; teaching; visiting speakers; slide-shows showing history of Church. You may also want to consider if the equipment is going to travel. Who will transport the equipment? How do other users know where it is? (It would be good practice to have a log for users to sign equipment in/out stating why it is being used and where it is). Is there a car/van big enough to carry the large equipment? Is it insured whilst in transit?

• Who can use it – Initially those who are already experienced; also show others how to use it by passing on knowledge. It is helpful to create a simple set-up guide with pictures; this can be kept with the equipment and is easy to put together yourself.

• Where do you store it – The equipment obviously needs space that is clean, accessible and not damp. Take this into consideration, especially if you purchase a large projection screen. How often is it going to be used and how easily is it accessed? Simple things like trying to track down a key holder when you need to use the equipment can be quite challenging.

“The projection equipment has been used widely across the parishes in events such as “Open Mic” nights for the sing-along portion; for “Table Talk” which is a café-style faith talk over coffee and cake; for quizzes; for Messy Church and the interactive elements; for a “New Expressions” worship service; for whole-school visits for special services; for use in a PCC, and a finance sub-committee meeting, for Mothers Union talks and more. It has also been used to show a slideshow of before/during and after pictures from our recent Church restoration project.

“It has made a huge difference in ease of communication at these events and saved us having to produce printed documents. It is on a larger screen so many have commented it is easier to read in those situations. It has allowed us to be more interactive with quizzes and showing pictures etc… which allows us to be adaptable to the different learning-styles people have.”


Benefice of CaldicotIn order to help the Benefice of Caldicot to have a more public presence in the local community throughout the week, the Benefice Council applied for a Ministry Area Development Grant to equip an office and create a hub for the area.

The grant enabled them to purchase ICT equipment, as well as a fridge, kettle and coffee machine. Mandy East, Lay Eucharistic Minister at St Mary’s Rogiet, tells us about their experience:

“I approached Father Den and spoke to him about trying to centralise the administration for Caldicot Benefice. In order to set up Caldicot Benefice Office we needed support purchasing some office equipment. With help from other members of the Benefice Council, we applied for a grant from the Ministry Area Development Grant and started to put things in motion.

“With the grant that was given to us, we have now purchased a computer and printer, along with a fridge, coffee machine and kettle. We have set up a permanent telephone line with internet access. The office is manned on a voluntary basis twice a week at the moment. It is used as a meeting place and for members of the clergy team to gather resources for all sorts of projects, particularly children’s ministry. It is still very early days but things are coming together slowly.”


Focus on Linda’s Story

‘Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.’ (1 Cor 12:31)

The development of Ministry Areas gives congregations and church communities a new opportunity to explore how God can use different people to minister in different ways, and share in God’s mission in their local community – sometimes in the most dramatic of ways!

When you meet Linda Loxton, in the Cyncoed Ministry Area, you become aware very quickly of her commitment and love for God, and her conviction that she has been called to use her gifts to help others and support the ministry of her local church.

Linda is a warm lady, who glows with the love of God and has a way of putting the people around her at ease. Her desire to serve comes from a gratitude for the support she has received from those around her, and she speaks candidly about her first encounter with Fr Mark Lawson-Jones a number of years ago, when her four year old grandson boldly announced in a school assembly that his Granny was sad as it was the anniversary of a family bereavement. Fr Mark comforted Linda and encouraged her to become involved with All Saints, Llanedeyrn. She had been a lifelong church-goer but had been unable to attend for some months, as she was looking after her elderly mother.

Over time, Linda became more involved in setting up for Church (which meets in All Saints Church in Wales School) and subsequently became Church Warden, and more recently a Lay Eucharistic Minister.

In a fledgling Ministry Area, people are exploring their roles in new and interesting ways, and, often, pushing doors which they may otherwise have not considered. It is in the spirit of exploring gifts, and in the belief of letting God guide your footsteps, that Linda found a role that she would never have imagined.

Whilst visiting a military event with her grandson during the summer of 2014, Linda found herself talking to the Commanding Officer of the Cardiff Sea Cadets, who suggested that she become their Padre. After affirmation from Fr Mark, she took up the role and grasped the opportunity to get involved with the organisation.

She had no idea what was ahead of her, but has found a place where she is accepted for who she is, and feels privileged and humbled that people open up to her.

Before she went along on the first evening, she prayed a lot about whether it was the right thing for her, as she felt that nothing in her background equipped her for the task. But, as soon as she walked in, she knew it was where she should be. She says: “It’s been amazing; the faith, love and trust people have in me. I love being there, to watch the children grow and develop. They are so proud to stand on parade and receive badges and recognition. It’s wonderful. I’ve learnt a lot from the young people, but also from the staff as well. I am Chaplain to the whole Unit.”

Linda provides pastoral care, to support, and come alongside, in the good times, and the most difficult times. It hasn’t been an easy time, the Unit came together in grief when one of the Cadets was struck down with a terminal illness and sadly lost her life. But, in the midst of devastating grief, Linda saw the strength and fortitude of the young people; how they held each other up and supported each other.

If we trust God to guide our paths and place us in situations where we can make a decision to commit to His will and purpose, He will equip us and use us beyond our expectations. Linda says: “I was meant to go to Cardiff Castle that day; I had no intention of being there. But if I hadn’t, I would never have started on this journey. My life has changed as a result.”

Linda’s ministry is underpinned by Jesus’ words from Matthew 7: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matt 7:12 NIV) As she has been blessed by others’ ministry, she hopes to share her faith and love of Christ with others.

Ministry comes in all shapes, sizes and types and it’s often said that the world would be a boring place if we were all the same. Linda’s story shows us that the Lord can use all of us; we simply need to trust Him and leave ourselves open to his leading.



Impressions of the Highveld

Although I have little space to give a travelogue (breathe a sigh of relief) I would like to share with you some immediate impressions of the recent visit

to the Diocese of the Highveld. A merry trio, Dean Lister, Archdeacon Ambrose and myself, made our journey to Benoni to meet the new Bishop - Charles May - and renew our links with the people of the Diocese. As you may expect we received a kaleidoscope of impressions.

Warmth and welcome The locals complained about the heat: for us it was pleasantly hot and a relief from the Welsh winter. The welcome wherever we went was open and generous and the air was filled with laughter! The South Africans have little but they gave freely and the hospitality was founded upon the family of the faithful. The clergy and people treated us like brothers and so we are.

The ugliness and the beauty Bishop Charles and the organising group headed up by Dean Simon, led us on a full itinerary where we visited townships and saw the social work of the church in action. The scale of poverty was overwhelming and it was clear that hundreds of thousands of men, women and children lived in rudimentary home-made shacks and unemployment was around 80 percent. The church played its part in giving relief and the Diocesan Board of Social Responsibility coordinated some of

the main projects which our Diocese has made contributions in the past. But poverty was not the only issue - exploitation of children, particularly young girls, was a particular concern. On the home visits, I met a young girl of 14 holding her own baby whilst needing to look after her two younger sisters. The grandmother, who had held the family together and protected the girls, had died, and a young man had moved in…

The children were beautiful and seemed, like all children, to see a world of newness and possibilities. Sadly for many of them the cycle of bad housing, unemployment and abuse promised a darker future. Education was seen as a way out and Bishop Charles and others were fine examples of what can happen. There was also the beauty of service found in the likes of Mother Marleen who works tirelessly in offering food, care and love.

Worship and strategy I have never seen so many young servers in any church service! The services were gloriously African Catholic and the incense and the chants were offered in joyful worship where the rhythm of praise spilled out into the streets and carried on in their community projects. The mission of the church was clearly a priority and a challenge. The Anglican Church of South Africa had played an important role in the road to equality and justice but had gradually been sidelined by the new politics. Bishop Charles said a new engagement was necessary and the church needed to be confident in sharing gospel values. He saw the importance of shaping up the Diocese and making it more focused in its strategy of outreach and community care. Sounds familiar? What impressed me was to see the church listening and being alongside those who were on the frontline of care, whether church or state. We are the ears, the heart and voice of Jesus they seemed to say and in that identity they found strength and purpose.

We will continue to support the Highveld in our giving and receiving, and I want to pay tribute to the Highveld committee in the Diocese who coordinates with our link parishes. A newly formed social responsibility group (Church and Society) will help focus our partnership on larger projects. We have much to share and also we have much in common. Our humanity in Christ is our greatest gift and it was good to have been blessed by our brothers and sisters.

+Richard


Saint David’s Radical Radio!

Youngest Liturgists in the Diocese?

Pupils at Saint David’s Church in Wales Primary School (Pentwyn, Cardiff) have recently been practising their ‘oracy’ skills in a fun and exciting

way. A brand new radio studio has been established where pupils independently plan, development and create their own podcasts for the school website.

Year 6 pupils Tomos and Aimee are radio ambassadors and it is their job to organise the running of the studio and to train new pupil volunteers in using the equipment.

Head Teacher, Jonathan Keohane, who was appointed in January 2016 said, “we are always looking for innovative ways in which our pupils can develop their skills. Saint David’s Radical Radio allows all of our pupils to practice their literacy, numeracy and ICT skills in a fun and interesting way”.

The radio studio is the first of many innovative ways in which the schools plans to develop 21st Century learning. Other planned initiatives includes using green screen technology to broadcast the pupils TV programmes on screens around the school.

Mr Keohane summarised by saying, “we want our pupils to be independent and confident lifelong learners. By using 21st Century learning opportunities we are enabling our learners to grow”.

The pupils are currently in the process of writing an email to Bishop Richard to request a visit and interview on St David’s Radio.

Revd David Kellen tells us about an exciting project he has been working on with St Mellons Church in Wales School:

“On 8th February 2016 there was a celebration of the Holy Eucharist in St Mellons Church in Wales School. Nothing unusual about that you might say EXCEPT that this service was entirely managed by Class 4 (ages 9-11).

“I went in to talk with the class beforehand and suggested Transfiguration Sunday was a good theme. I explained how the readings linked together in a common theme – the visible Glory of God. However, they chose the readers; the songs and wrote the prayers to fit the occasion. The children understood that the songs and the prayers must fit the theme and the theme is usually dictated by the Gospel. They were very good liturgists and I am very proud of them, as are the school and the parish.

“Next term the head has made plans for Class 3 to be in charge. Their ages range from 7-9. Great stuff!”

Picture is of Aimee and Tomos interviewing Head Teacher Jonathan Keohane.

Revd David Kellen with the class teacher (left), headteacher (right) and Class 4, after the service.


People and places

Members of the congregation from St Teilo’s, Llantilio Pertholey and St David’s, Llanddewi Skirrid climbed ‘The Holy Mountain’ (Skirrid) as part of their Good Friday service.

St Mary’s Priory, Abergavenny marked Maundy Thursday by washing feet, following Christ’s example.

Churches in Caldicot joined together for a Procession of Witness on Good Friday.

On Palm Sunday 18 people from the Cyncoed Ministry Area ‘processed’ to the top of Pen-y-fan, the highest peak in South Wales, to greet the dawn with the blessing of palm crosses.

The 440 metre climb raised several hundred pounds for Christian Aid. They were joined by Revd Mark Lawson-Jones and Huw Thomas, Head of Christian Aid Wales.

Families in Rudry enjoyed crafts, learning about the meaning of Easter, on Good Friday.

The beloved alone.

The final candle on Maundy Thursday at St Augustine’s, Rumney


On Holy Saturday morning, members of St Gabriel’s Church, Cwmbran gathered to clean and decorate in preparation for the Easter Day celebrations.’

Two of the younger members of the church Katie and Bethan took responsibility for the Easter Garden which added to the overall sense of celebration on Easter morning when the stone was rolled away.

At St Oswald’s, Sebastopol, a set was created to tell the story of Easter. This was added to with a final scene on Easter Day, celebrating the Resurrection.

Bishop Richard shared the Holy Saturday Watch with St Augustine’s, Rumney, beginning the celebration of the Resurrection.

A cross was transformed with flowers to celebrate the Resurrection on Easter Day at St Oudoceus, Llandogo.

Fr Den Richards preparing for the Easter Day sunrise service at St Mary’s, Caldicot.

St Paul’s, Newport marked Good Friday with Messy Church. These three crosses were cleverly created with handprints and sticky tape.


Safe Church

With the development of the Provincial Team of Safeguarding Support

Officers based within each Diocese will strengthen the commitment of the Church in Wales to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in our communities.

Building on the recommendation of the Historic Cases Review published in 2011, a Safeguarding Support Officer has been appointed in each Diocese and will provide a new tier of specialist support to colleagues in Parishes and Ministry Areas.

A key priority for the Support Officers will be to help deliver ‘Safer Church’ training which will include the revised ‘Safeguarding Policy’ of the Church in Wales which will be published in 2016. The Support Officers will also be available as a point of contact to provide advice and support on Safeguarding policies and procedures, and safe

recruitment including the requirements for DBS checks.

The Diocesan Support Officers will not be involved in the investigation of any safeguarding allegations or child protection concerns, which will continue to be reported to the Provincial Safeguarding Officers.

Speaking about the new role, Cardiff Head of Safeguarding Elaine Cloke said: “I am pleased that we are now in a position to directly work with parishes on providing advice and support on safeguarding policy, safe recruitment and provide training to all who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults in our Church communities

The team for the Diocese of Monmouth will see Jim Thompson and Linda Neal expand and develop their existing roles to encompass the work generated through the new safeguarding processes. Jim started the role of the Safeguarding Support Officer and Linda the Safeguarding Support Administrator on 1 January 2016.

Speaking about the role, Jim states “I am very excited to be taking up this new role - protecting children and vulnerable adults has always been a key priority for me and is something I am passionate about. I am pleased to have the opportunity to use my previous experience from health and social care in my new role as Safeguarding Support Officer and look forward to providing any assistance and advice that I can to colleagues in the Diocese of Monmouth.”

Jim and Linda can be contacted by email at [email protected], by calling the Diocesan Office on 01633 267490 or mobile 07881 016185.

Whats On

Lay Eucharistic Minister TrainingSaturday 28 May & Saturday 4 June, 10am-2pm

Diocesan Office, Caerau Rd, Newport

For further details or to book your place, please contact Charlie Shepherd ([email protected]).

OrdinationsSaturday 25 June, 10.30am; Sunday 26 June, 3pm

Newport Cathedral

Celebrate the ordination of our five new priests on Saturday morning and our five new deacons on Sunday afternoon.

Celebration of Lay MinistrySunday 3 July, 3pm

Newport Cathedral

A celebration of Lay Ministry, including the licensing of four new Lay Ministers.

Summer Evening for Lay MinistryFriday 15 July

Llanover Church

Short reflection followed by buffet in Church Hall. Buffet, £6 per head. For further details, please contact Revd John Collier, tel: 01873 880378.


‘Life in the Diocese’ photography competition

We are very blessed in this Diocese to have a wide range of landscapes,

communities and churches; from the rural churches in Monmouthshire to the inner city environment of Newport, and the beautiful rugged landscapes of the Valleys. The makeup of our congregations and communities is just as varied and rich as the natural environment around us.

In order to capture this variety and beauty, we are launching a photographic competition. We are looking for photographs that reflect the broad range of life across the Diocese, including people, buildings, landscapes, events and there will be categories for both adults and children.

The closing date for competition entries will be 31 August, with the winners being announced at the Diocesan Conference on Saturday 15 October.

As the Diocese will mark its 95th anniversary this year, we hope to celebrate with an exhibition from this competition in Newport Cathedral at the end of October.

Full details will be on the website, and printed details will be available from the Diocesan Office on request.

On the moveComingAndrew Dawson - NSM(L)* - Llantilio Crossenny and Penrhos w Llanvetherine and Llanvapley

Rick Hayes - NSM(L)* - Mathern Group

Stephen Smith - NSM(L)* - Goetre Fawr Group

Sam Helkvist - NSM* - Newport East

Dean Roberts - SM* - Bedwas with Machen with Michaelston-y-Fedw with Rudry

GoingRevd Philip Cochrane leaving Caerleon, taking up new role in Banbury, Oxfordshire

Revd Canon Dr Rosie Dymond, leaving Bedwellty with New Tredegar, taking up a research position at Cardiff University

Revd Canon David Neale, retiring as Vicar of Maindee, Newport and Area Dean of Newport

Revd Canon Ray Hayter, retiring as Canon Pastor at the Newport Cathedral Best wishes and blessings on those moving on in ministry, thank you for your ministry in the Diocese of Monmouth.

Please continue to remember in prayer all who are taking on new roles or retiring from formal ministry.

*KeyNSM(L): Non-stipendiary

Minister (Local)NSM: Non-stipendiary

MinisterSM: Stipendiary Minister

Back Chat ‘Fit’ for purpose?

It’s difficult to imagine, given my physical appearance, but I have a personal trainer to help me keep in shape. My hourly sessions spent with them are stimulating and enjoyable. Reflecting on my Lay Ministry, I have been reflecting on who is my Personal Trainer in my chosen ministry? It was easy to identify my Personal Trainer as God.

Like my Personal Trainer, God has developed my schedule of ministry, unlike going to the Gym where I put on a pair of trainers, and do a programme of exercise; God has determined my path to follow in his earthly kingdom. I often feel like wearing a pair of trainers in my ministry to remind me of the path I need to follow. This is because I know that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations. A good pair of trainers will remind me of the path I am on and what I need to do.

Trainers - what are they? They give protection to my feet on any difficult road, protecting from stones, and uneven ground, just as God protects me in all I do. But you have to take care of your trainers to keep them in a good condition to do the job you want them to do. A

bit like my relationship with God – listening to him through prayer; not asking, not talking – just listening, and knowing that when he talks to me, he is telling me how to protect and behave in the ministry he has chosen for me. Looking at my trainers, what do they tell me about my ministry?

A trainer is made up of:

The Sole – which keeps me firmly on the ground, just as my relationship with God does. That is if I created the time to listen to him through prayer and quiet reflection. How many of us make time to do that?

The Laces – remind me that as a Lay Minister my role is to support my vicar, to help bring people together through networking, not just within the Church but in the wider community also. Tying my laces into a bow, remind me not to get people ‘into knots’ or undoing the bow reminds me of what needs to be done to rectify a wrong.

The Tongue beneath the laces reminds me that I can speak. I can speak the word of God. I can communicate with people.

The Brand of the trainer whether it be Nike, Adidas, (other brands are available!!) remind me that I am a brand of God: a living disciple, a role model and as such, I need to listen to God to guide support and show me the path I need to follow.

So as a Licensed Lay Minister, I could use the pair of trainers I use in the gym, because they are a great reminder to me of what being a living disciple actually is, and needs to do. However there is one little thing which needs to be considered and that is my time commitment. I commit a specified time to go to the Gym and I need to do the same with my journey with God and my Ministry. But in our busy world do I make that time? After all, we are all different but the one thing we need to remember is that we are all given the same amount of time, but it is our decision on how we use it.

Jim Thompson Local Licensed Minister, Panteg & Griffithstown

PENTECOST 2016 - Amazon Web Services · individual, but also by us as a family. I went to the Discernment Board in 2014 and was recommended for ordained ministry. I’m due to be

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